How to Load Ink Into a Tattoo Machine

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Gloves

  • Tattoo machine

  • Sterile needle

  • Disposable ink caps

  • Ink

A tattoo sleeve featuring cherry blossoms.

Clients walking into a tattoo shop choose between flash or custom artwork for their design. Displayed in racks or binders in the tattoo shop, flash artwork consists of sheets of designs of a specific subject matter or tattoo style. Custom artwork requires a client to consult with a tattoo artist and provide artistic references for the tattoo artist to incorporate into a design.

Advertisement

Step 1

Don a pair of gloves. Insert the sterilized tube and needle into the tattoo machine. Attach the machine to the clip cord and power supply.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place the number of disposable ink caps necessary for the tattoo on the barrier of your setup. Each color for the tattoo requires a separate ink cap. Fill the disposable ink caps with ink from the housing bottle. Avoid touching the inside or rim of the ink cap with the tip of the housing bottle to promote aseptic technique.

Advertisement

Step 3

Dip the needle in the color for the outline. Press down on the foot switch of the machine to make the needle move in and out of the tube to remove any excess ink that may clog the tube.

Tip

Clean any excess ink off of the housing bottles immediately to prevent dried ink from clogging the tips.

Change your gloves after cleaning and shaving the client's skin before beginning the tattoo.

Warning

Never perform a tattoo unless you are a licensed professional in a tattoo shop.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

resources